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New puppy and construction? Loud noises

5K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  kenimn 
#1 ·
We will finally be visiting the breeder to get a reservation on a puppy a couple weeks from now! Originally we wanted to bring him home in July when we move, however there will be work done in the basement so sadly I might have to keep my excitement in until late August.

July would have been perfect as I could have 2 months to fully focus on training and building a bond with my pup, but if we have to wait, it won't be long until school starts which shaves off a lot of play time ;'(

On one hand I am thinking that exposing him to noise may help him get used to it however I do think it might cause stress, especially just having a change of surroundings without his litter mates.

Let me know your opinions and when the best time you think I should bring my pup home! Thank you all
 
#2 · (Edited)
I've always brought mine around things that made noise. When I moved into my house I had the brick patio put in--lots of sawing and people back and forth, they were in a pen about 10 ft away while all of that was going on and no reaction at all, no barking at the people or the noise.

No reaction



This one played in his pool
 
#3 ·
First thing I done with my pup was get him around gunfire, drills, saws, etc... But I wanted a dog that would be cool with gunshots since I spend a lot of time shooting and the dog would be around it. Plus I think it helps them to realize that not all loud noises mean harm to them.
 
#4 ·
Congratulations on getting a new puppy! You didn't mention how old the pup will be in July, but I would suggest bonding with the puppy is a good idea. I brought Phoenix home at 8 weeks old, and the same afternoon, there was a huge thunder storm, I took him outside for his potty breaks like nothing was wrong. He was just fine, and didn't react to the sounds at all. So, honestly, I think that the construction noise, which I would assume is only during the day, wouldn't really interfere with your plans. Puppies will need to get adjusted anyway from being in new surroundings, and you'll get the benefit of spending extra time with your pup!
 
#5 ·
shouldn't be a problem, unless the puppy has that issue. It shouldn't cause the issue. No way for you to know it has the issue, before taking him home. If the puppy totally freaks out and does not recover immediately, then, taking it back to the breeder would be in order. Because you do not want that issue. I say get the puppy.
 
#6 ·
We had a big tornado hit us when Russell was about 12 weeks old. Helicopters flying overhead, and all kinds of crazy nonsense going on nonstop. Didn't even faze him. The noise from construction should be fine.
 
#9 ·
My gal was so brave about sudden noises, it surprised me that the rolling of large plastic trash bins scared her. Now at nearly 8 months I think we are nearly over that.

We have so much construction going on in the neighborhoods that surround us. I can barely take my dogs for a walk without having to walk past beep crashing grumbling machinery and men in hard hats all around. I joke that for IPO, instead of gunshots we should test the dog on the crash of a dump truck or the slamming of the back door of a delivery van. Those are the sounds we live with.

We just walk past the ruckus as if it is no big deal. They do fine. Remember, though, if the noise is too loud for you it is too loud for them.
 
#10 ·
think your pup should be okay the noise will be in the basement and not so much in his face. It may be a good way to get him used of the noise and different people once settled in. If your pup is overwhelmed having the breeder hold onto him for a bit may be a good idea. Max was probably 20 weeks old they were ripping out our slider door and replacing in our kitchen. I had him on the leash just to get him used to the loud noise feeding him treats. He was unphased and I have to say it was pretty loud. Was also more socializing opportunities. Home Depot has a lot of machinery and noise going on good to get him to that. We have a shooting range near the park. So you can hear all those shooting and sound ranges how close you are he is fine with that
4th of July with the fireworks he was great there was a lot of them. One of our neighbors behind us was lighting those extremely loud block busters I mean it was so loud it made you want to hit the ground- sounded like a bomb going off. That was over the top for him. He was not so good barking at that we will see how he this year. . I don't think he will ever get him used to those block busters. We will have to crank up the music for that one I wonder if there are ear plugs for dog to help with that as it did hurt my ears.
 
#12 ·
I'd be more concerned about the toxins, dust, molds, asbestos(if present), drywall compound dust, finishing treatments (chemicals), paint with VOC's, and off gassing from certain materials...depending on what you are doing:wink2:
 
#15 ·
I used Benjamin Moore no VOC paint. Was crap. Terrible coverage, lots of drips.
Then I used Dulux no VOC paint...went on like butter. Beautiful to work with. Won't use anything else.


How old is the house? Was it built at a time where asbestos was common practice. If so, you need specialists to come in and remove before any gutting can take place. It is fine if not disturbed.


Are you hiring contractors?
 
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#17 ·
I run a drywall and paint company. If they're finishing your basement their should be no dust coming up to the main levels. The worst would be from any concrete that may have to be removed. Concrete saws are really loud so are jack hammers. Also with the dust. However if they're just framing and installing new plumbing, electrical, drywall, paint, trim, flooring it should be pretty insignificant on both noise and dust. I wouldn't worry about any fumes from latex paint.
Where any risks would come into play would be if you had asbestos infested floor tiles, wrapped plumbing lines, old popcorn ceiling textures being removed. Lead paint being disturbed. But that is all in old construction. If you hire a reputable contractor he will test for all of this stuff anyway. The problem is that most homeowners don't want to pay what it costs to have this stuff tested and removed so they hire the cheapest bid and just enjoy the asbestos lead cocktail.
 
#18 ·
Thanks so much for the info, it relieves a lot of my worries about fumes and such. My parents are the main ones taking care of the house (I keep the pets company) and I trust they hired a good contractor so that helps too. They say there might be jackhammers though, do you know how long they would usually use one in a session? I was thinking if it was too loud I would just bring the pup outside and hang out at a park... but i guess it might not be too reasonable if it's for the whole day :')
 
#19 ·
It would depend on what they were doing. I imagine in a new house they're just gonna install plumbing. Shouldn't be too long an hour or two. If they're installing perimeter floor drains, a day. Don't be afraid to ask them about plans for the day. Noise level etc.. This way your prepared and don't freak out and the dog pick up on it.
 
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